Latest KFF Health News Stories
Blue Shield Of California To Lay Off 165 Workers By Jan. 31
The largest cuts will hit offices in Oakland, Modern Healthcare reports. Also in the news, BJC HealthCare of St. Louis and Saint Luke’s Health System of Kansas City successfully closed their $10 billion merger. Separately, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul will aim to curb hospitals suing patients.
2 Catch Legionnaires’ Disease, 1 Dies After Visiting A NH Resort
News outlets report on Legionnaires’ disease cases in two people who’d recently stayed at the Mountain View Grand Resort & Spa in New Hampshire. Among other news: at least 22 people hospitalized in Utah after suffering carbon monoxide poisoning; radon exposure in Pennsylvania homes; and more.
First Partial Heart Transplant Deemed Success After Nearly A Year Of Working
The world’s first partial heart transplant happened nearly a year ago when a newborn received transplanted valves and arteries, and the organs are functioning well and growing with the child’s heart. This means the procedure is deemed successful, paving the way for future surgeries.
Study Shows US Food Insecurity Fell During Pandemic, But Rose By 2022
Thanks to government programs including SNAP, CIDRAP explains, food insecurity among low-income U.S. adults fell during covid. But then rose again. Meanwhile, warnings rise that more than 225,000 low-income Texas women and young children are in danger of losing federal nutrition assistance.
Appeals Court Rules That Texas Can Ban Life-Saving Emergency Abortions
Contrary to federal regulations under the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit sided Tuesday with Texas, which challenged the rule that emergency rooms must perform emergency abortions.
Increased FDA Approvals Of Novel Drugs Could Spur Biotech Investment
The FDA’s increased pace of approvals in 2023 over the prior year may lead to increased investment in biotech firms in 2024, Reuters reports. In another outlook on the new year, The Wall Street Journal offers consumer tips on keeping a lid on prescription drug costs.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Gender-Affirming Care Bans Dealt Setbacks In Idaho, Ohio
A preliminary injunction is in place in Idaho, halting enactment of a law banning gender-affirming care. In Ohio, Republican Gov. Mike DeWine vetoed a similar measure, bucking his own party.
CDC Data Show Respiratory Viruses Soaring: Covid More So Than Last Year
CDC wastewater analysis shows that covid levels are higher than they were at this time last year, and although covid is the leading respiratory illness sending people to hospital, flu activity is also high. But, separately, studies show that more U.S. adults are up for getting flu shots than covid or RSV ones.
Nutramigen Infant Formula Recalled Over Possible Contamination
The recall of Reckitt/Mead Johnson Nutrition’s product affects Nutramigen Powder 12.6 and 19.8 ounce cans and is driven by worries over possible Cronobacter contamination — the same pathogen behind the recent infant formula crisis. Also in the news: opioid claims; the Apple Watch ban; more.
‘Good’ Cholesterol Loses Its Shine: Study Links It To Higher Dementia Risk
High-density lipoprotein, or HDL, is thought of as “good” cholesterol because of cardiovascular benefits. But new research published in the Lancet says high levels of HDL can cause as much as a 42% higher risk for dementia in older people. Also: a study links smoking with brain shrinkage and Alzheimer’s risks.
‘Damp January’ Is An Alternative To Going Alcohol-Free
The Washington Post reports on the popularity of a ritual of cutting back on alcohol consumption for the new year versus the cold-turkey difficulties of the “dry January” trend. Other health goals for the new year are also in the news, including cutting back on sugar, learning from regrets, and more.
Idaho Judge Denies Request To Throw Out Challenge To Broad Abortion Ban
Idaho’s Attorney General Raul Labrador’s office had been trying to get a lawsuit to the state’s anti-abortion laws thrown out, but the judge declined and allowed the case seeking clarity on exemptions to continue. Also: Arizona may vote on an abortion ballot initiative this year.
Drugmakers To Soon Hike Prices On More Than 500 Medications: Report
Reuters reports that several pharmaceutical companies are set to increase drug prices on at least 500 drugs this month. News outlets also look ahead to expected drug cost developments in the new year.
All Undocumented Immigrants Now Qualify For Medi-Cal In California
The new year rung in a host of new laws in California, including the expanded Medicaid coverage, nursing home disclosures, mental health measures, LGBTQ+ protections, and more.
New Health Laws Are Taking Effect In Nearly 20 States
News outlets round up the health-related measures that will become law in 2024 across the nation.
Study: When Private Equity Buys Hospitals, Medical Errors Soar
A major study found that the rate of serious medical complications increased when hospitals were bought by investors, sometimes at alarming rates. Also in the news: Medicare Advantage plans hitting rural hospitals; a health care data breach affecting over a million people; and more.
Viewpoints: Congress Can Make Caregiving Accessible To All; Health Care Demand Far Outweighs Supply
Editorial writers discuss caregiving, physician shortage, medical assistance in dying and more.
Happy new year! Here are today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Rising Colon Cancer Rate In Young Americans Can’t Be Explained
In other news, a new online tool offers caregivers an easy way to pass on their care plans to other caregivers; how virtual reality can help boost seniors’ moods and memory in nursing homes; the difficult topic of grief during the holidays; a novel back pain treatment; and more.